Hunza valley embroidery
Tan Cushion Cover with Rows of Hooked Horn Motifs
Cushions
A pale tan ground carries rows of repeating hooked, C-shaped motifs in rust-red and slate-blue, each with comb-like feet and small diamond accents between the rows. The recurring hooked forms strongly recall the Turangkish ibex-horn and Urki itsu wolf's-foot motifs of Hunza embroidery, marching in ordered bands. Stitched in the manner of erāghi cross stitch on a woven ground, its calm palette and rhythmic motifs give a quietly traditional feel to the home.
The tradition
Hunza valley embroidery
Embroidery is the secret weapon behind Hunza Carpet, and the cushion covers are where it is most intimate. The tradition grows out of the pillbox caps that Hunza women embroidered for their own use, worked with Chinese silk that arrived over the passes on Silk Route caravans.
Today educated women artisans embroider cushion covers with the same fine silk-thread stitches, reviving old cap-and-veil designs alongside new compositions for the home.
Motifs & meaning
Reading the design
Cushion designs draw directly on the names and meanings recorded in Hunza's embroidery tradition.
Turangkish
Ibex horns — the emblem of the Karakoram's wild goat.
Tamuts
The snow leopard, elusive guardian of the high mountains.
Urki itsu
A wolf's foot, a protective tracking motif.
Kishtimuts
A boat, recalling travel and the crossing of waters.
Materials & technique
How it is made
Hand-embroidered in real silk thread using Hunza's traditional stitches — erāghi cross and roll stitch, qalmi long-and-short floral work — on a woven ground.
Interested in tan cushion cover with rows of hooked horn motifs?
Leave your email or WhatsApp and we'll share current availability, pricing and condition.